Stage 24 (GR11.18): Refugi dera Restanca - Refugi de Colomèrs

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Stage 24 (GR11.18): Refugi dera Restanca - Refugi de Colomèrs

Distance/elevation: 7,1 kms / (+640m),(-510m)Time: 4h00min (walking time without stops).Difficulty: a short stage with little elevation. Waymarking is good. In early summer you may come across snow at
the highest point, between Port de Oelhacrestada (2,475) and Port de Caldes (2,568m).Water: you will find the odd stream on the way up to Port de Oelhacrestada and on the descent to Port de Caldes.Suggestions: follow the main GR11 route. Descend to Rius valley as far as Plan de Nera then climb up to Coll de
Ribereta and head down to Colomèrs. This option is mostly by track. If you decide to take the GR11.18 variant, which in our view is more
interesting, from Port de Oelhacrestada, you could climb Montardó (2,833m) in 45mins. And if you would like a longer walk, you could continue into
the next stage, and head to Obago cabin (4h55min), Ernest Mallafré refuge (8h25min) or off the main route, Amitges refuge (7h40min).

Route/Itinerary:

(0h0min;0km) Refugio dera Restanca (2.010m). Follow the path that climbs up from the refuge (east), while
also following the Carros de Foc route. After about 30mins you will reach Cap de Port lake (2,230m), which you follow round on the left, then head up
across bumpy terrain to the col that can be seen in the distance.

(1h30min; 2.5kms) Oelhacrestada or Rius Pass (2.475m). At the foot of Montardo (2,833m), those eager enough
could take on the climb in 40mins. Just beyond the col, the path splits in two. To the right, towards Estany des Monges, the yellow markings lead
down to Carros de Foc. Ahead, on the flat, are the markings for this variant of the GR11. You keep ahead (east) over a shoulder that peels off from
Montardo, followed by a sharp drop that takes you to Port de Caldes lake (2,410m). Continue in an easterly direction, towards...

(2h35min; 4.4kms) Port de Caldes (2.568m). The highest point of the stage. You start the descent with the
Estanh deth Pòrt de Caldes lake on your right . After another steep drop leaves you at the foot of the valley (Coma deth port de Caldes), you walk
ahead, through more confortable terrain, until you reach Lac Major de Colomèrs. Veer right before the dam, then you will reach the new Colomèrs
mountain refuge.

At the end of the stage,
Refugi de Colomèrs
(/).
Given that the refuge is accessible from Arán valley (track, taxi service) added to the popularity of the area around the lakes (among the busiest
routes in the Pyrenees), we recommend booking at least 1 month in advance during the months of July and August.

The Park bus (Alsa), completes an almost circular route of the Park through
the Boí, Noguera Ribagorçana, Arán and Noguera Pallaresa valleys with 2 daily services in one direction and 2 in the other.

Activities in the area:

One of the best-known excursions is the round trip around the Circo de Colomèrs (waymarked itinerary). In the Aigües Tortes i Estany de Sant Maurici
National Park, the Carros de Foc
traverse is very popular (a circular route that links all 9 of the National Park’s refuges).